Bears Counting on Braxton Jones to Anchor Left Tackle Spot

Injury concerns at the position make Jones' development crucial for Chicago's offensive line

Apr. 1, 2026 at 12:35pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Chicago Bears are facing uncertainty at the left tackle position heading into the 2026 season, with starter Ozzy Trapilo potentially missing the entire year due to injury. This puts added pressure on 2022 fifth-round pick Braxton Jones to step up and solidify the blindside protection for quarterback Justin Fields.

Why it matters

The Bears' offensive line was a weak point in 2025, and the team cannot afford another season of poor pass protection if they want to take the next step as an offense. Jones showed promise as a rookie, but an ankle injury limited his development. His ability to bounce back and become a reliable starter at left tackle is crucial for the team's success.

The details

Bears coach Ben Johnson expressed concern about the left tackle position, indicating that Trapilo may miss the entire 2026 season. This leaves the team with free agent acquisition Jedrick Wills and Jones as the top options to protect Fields' blindside. Jones, a 2022 fifth-round pick, was graded highly as a pass blocker in his first three seasons before the ankle injury that landed him on injured reserve last year. The Bears are hoping that with a full offseason to train and improve, Jones can solidify the left tackle spot.

  • Trapilo's injury is expected to keep him out well into the 2026 season.
  • Jones finished the 2025 season on injured reserve with a knee sprain.

The players

Braxton Jones

A 2022 fifth-round pick by the Bears who showed promise as a pass blocker in his first three seasons before an ankle injury limited his development in 2025.

Ozzy Trapilo

The Bears' starting left tackle who is expected to miss significant time in 2026 due to a serious knee injury.

Jedrick Wills

A free agent acquisition by the Bears who has had some success as a pass blocker earlier in his career, before suffering his own knee injury.

Ben Johnson

The head coach of the Chicago Bears, who expressed uncertainty about the left tackle position heading into the 2026 season.

Ryan Poles

The general manager of the Chicago Bears, who was present at Alabama's pro day to evaluate top tackle prospect Kadyn Proctor.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“If there's a tackle or a defensive tackle or a (defensive) end, I think we can go any direction we need to and stay true to that and feel pretty good about it. To give you clarity, its hard to say right now what that left tackle spot's going to look like this year or five years from now.”

— Ben Johnson, Head Coach, Chicago Bears

What’s next

The Bears will continue to evaluate their options at left tackle, both in free agency and the upcoming NFL Draft. They could look to select a top tackle prospect like Kadyn Proctor, but it remains to be seen if he would be available at their pick or if he would be ready to start immediately.

The takeaway

The development of Braxton Jones is crucial for the Bears' offensive line in 2026. If he can return to his pre-injury form and solidify the left tackle spot, it would provide much-needed stability and protection for quarterback Justin Fields. However, the team's options at the position appear limited, making Jones' comeback all the more essential.